Key witness in case of slain Lode girl recants statement

Friday

May 3, 2013 at 12:01 AMMay 13, 2013 at 10:36 AM

VALLEY SPRINGS - Calaveras County sheriff's investigators Thursday night said their hopes for creating a composite sketch of the person suspected of killing 8-year-old Leila Fowler were frustrated when a key witness recanted her statement.

The Record

VALLEY SPRINGS - Calaveras County sheriff's investigators Thursday night said their hopes for creating a composite sketch of the person suspected of killing 8-year-old Leila Fowler were frustrated when a key witness recanted her statement.

The Sheriff's Office statement, released after 6 p.m. Thursday, said initially both Leila's 12-year-old brother and a neighbor said they saw an intruder fleeing from the Rippon Road home where the girl was attacked Saturday.

Investigators said the female neighbor and the brother gave conflicting statements, however, about the direction the intruder was running.

During a meeting with a sketch artist, the neighbor recanted her statement and her identification of the man she saw running. She refused to provide a description for the sketch artist.

Investigators say they now consider that witness no longer credible.

"Though this may seem like a setback in the investigation, it is actually a positive result in that it allows the investigators to narrow the scope of their investigation," Sgt. Chris Hewitt said.

Also Thursday, the Sheriff's Office reported that investigators have received about 300 tips so far in the case.

Detectives reported that though they had taken DNA samples from a man arrested in an attempted child abduction in Placerville, they have determined it is unlikely there is any connection between the two crimes.

The Sheriff's Office said its investigators have continued to gather evidence at the Fowler home and that the FBI is assisting with the investigation.

A memorial fund for Leila has been established at F & M Bank, 18836 E. Main St. in Linden. The account number is 421934101.

A carwash fundraiser to assist Leila Fowler's family with burial costs will be at 10 a.m. Sunday at Blondies Salon, 3410 E. Main St., Stockton.